CHAPTER IX

ON THE WAY AGAIN


Early the next morning Father Blossom brought the car around and,
amid much hugging and kissing and a few tears, the good-bys were
said. The Blossoms promised that if Aunt Polly and Linda and Jud
did not get to see them while they were on Apple Tree Island, they
would surely stop at Brookside Farm on their way home.

"I wonder how Mr. Harley feels now?" said Meg suddenly, when, the
farm far behind, they were riding swiftly toward Sunset Lake. "I
haven't thought about him all the time we were playing; have you,
Dot?"

"No, I haven't," admitted Dot. "But I'm sorry for him, just the
same. Do you suppose he has found Mrs. Harley?"

"I'm afraid not," answered Father Blossom.

"We will see him to-day, though, and give him what little news
Aunt Polly could tell us of his wife. I am going to Greenpier, the
little town where Chris Smith has his boats. I rather think Mr.
Harley will bunk right there with him. Chris is a bachelor and
will probably be glad to have some one live with him."